Résumé
Abstract only e16055 Background: Phase III studies have demonstrated that induction chemotherapy with TPF followed by cisplatin-based chemoradiation (CRT) is a valid option for the treatment of advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These studies have been done in highly selected patients. The aim of our study is to confirm these data in unselected patients and to identify prognostic factors of tolerance and survival. Methods: Between October 2005 and June 2010, 300 patients from 5 institutions with locally advanced neck and head cancer received at least one induction cycle, followed by locoregional radiotherapy (R) associated or not with platinum (P) or cetuximab (C)-based chemotherapy. Results: Mean age was 56 years old (range 31-76). Performance status was 0 or 1 in 97% of patients and 50 % of them presented current alcohol intoxication. 69% (n=208) received 3 cycles of TPF, and 91% (n=268) underwent R associated or not with P (n=167) or C (n=51). 52% of patients (n=156) received the conform treatment (ie 3TPF + RP or RC). Grade 3-4 toxicities have been reported in 19% (n= 57), including 3% febrile neutropenia (n=9) and 7% kidney failure (n=22). Grade 3-4 toxicity, during TPF induction, led systematically to permanently discontinuation of the chemotherapy. Overall response rate after TPF induction was of 88% with 23% of complete response. After a median follow-up of 21 months, median progression-free survival and cause-specific survival (SS) were not reached. Median overall survival (OS) was 49 months (95% CI 31.2-66.8). SS and OS were significantly improved (p<0.0001) in patients who received the conform treatment. In multivariate analysis the probability of death related to cancer or to toxicities induced by treatment was increased for hemoglobin level ≤ 12.6g/dl or GGT level ≥ 77U/I [HR = 3.45 (95% CI: 1.50-7.93) p=0.0029]. Conclusions: We propose to use a biological index based on baseline hemoglobin and GGT levels to select patient for induction therapy in SCCHN. This simple index, predictive of treatment conformity and specific survival, needs further prospectives investigations.